President Donald Trump announced plans to sign an executive order that would eliminate mail-in voting in the United States ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The move, which Trump has long hinted at, marks his most direct attempt yet to restrict mail-in ballots — a system he has repeatedly described as “corrupt and fraudulent.” Critics argue such a ban would face immediate legal challenges, as voting procedures are largely determined at the state level.

Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, joined The Takeout to discuss the constitutional implications of Trump’s proposal. Rosen noted that while a president can issue executive orders, the U.S. Constitution grants states broad authority over the administration of elections. Any effort to override those powers could trigger a showdown in the courts.

Trump’s announcement reignites the fierce national debate over election integrity and voting access. While supporters see the move as necessary to restore trust in elections, opponents warn it could disenfranchise millions of voters who rely on mail-in ballots, including military personnel and Americans living overseas.

With the 2026 midterms approaching, the executive order — if pursued — is expected to spark one of the most contentious legal and political battles over voting rights in recent history.